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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
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Published on: April 23, 2014
Reliability and validity of the self-assessment of occupational functioning
A D Henry1, K B Baron, L Mouradian
1Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA.
Summary
The Self-Assessment of Occupational Functioning (SAOF) shows potential as a reliable clinical tool, demonstrating acceptable reliability and validity in distinguishing between individuals with and without psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy
- Psychometric evaluation
- Mental health assessment
Background:
- The Model of Human Occupation provides a framework for understanding occupational functioning.
- Self-assessment tools are crucial for evaluating an individual's perception of their strengths and weaknesses.
- The Self-Assessment of Occupational Functioning (SAOF) is a 23-item measure designed to assess these perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability of the SAOF.
- To assess the validity of the SAOF by correlating its scores with the Self-Perception Profile.
- To determine the SAOF's ability to discriminate between individuals with and without psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted involving college students and young persons hospitalized with psychiatric disorders.
- Test-retest reliability was assessed using Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).
- Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and discriminant analysis was used to differentiate between groups.
Main Results:
- The SAOF demonstrated acceptable test-retest (ICCs) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) reliability for subscale and total scores.
- Lower test-retest reliability (kappa) was observed for individual SAOF items.
- Individuals with psychiatric disorders scored lower on the SAOF than those without disabilities, with discriminant analysis correctly classifying 76.6% of participants.
Conclusions:
- The SAOF shows promise as a reliable and valid clinical assessment tool.
- Further research is recommended to fully establish its clinical utility.
- The SAOF effectively differentiates between individuals with and without psychiatric disorders based on perceived occupational functioning.
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